“At the launching ceremony of the Nearchos, the second FDI HN frigate of the Hellenic Navy, at the Lorient Shipyards,” Dendias stated in a post on X.
“A frigate that, like the Kimon, incorporates the most advanced technologies to decisively contribute to the protection of national sovereignty and our sovereign rights,” he added.
Reportedly, the Greek Minister of National Defense is also expected to announce the initiation of the procurement process for a fourth Greek FDI Belharra frigate from France.
A source told Kathimerini that the political and military leadership of the Ministry of National Defense decided to acquire an additional FDI frigate to further enhance the deterrent capabilities of the Greek fleet and improve cost-effectiveness.
Since signing the agreement to acquire the first three FDI frigates in March 2021, Athens has retained the option to order one more Belharra at the same price as the previous ones, approximately one billion euros.
Although the deadline officially expired in June 2023, close relations between Athens and Paris, along with the Greek Navy’s expressed intention to acquire the fourth FDI, allowed the option to be exercised almost a year later.
According to Naval Group sources, work on the fourth frigate is expected to begin in the coming months, though its position in the production line and delivery date to the Hellenic Navy remain unclear.